IPS Update Issue November 2020

On Diversity is a podcast series of new insights and fresh discussions, inspired by IPS’ Managing Diversities research programme.

In each episode, IPS Deputy Director Ong Soh Chin will chat with guests to explore what diversity means to them, the changes they are making and the changes they hope to see in an increasingly fragmented society.

On Diversity launches Nov 2, with new episodes every fortnight. Click here to listen.

Commentary — “How Singapore political parties can better tap instant messaging for campaigning”
(TODAY)
By Carol Soon and Neo Yee Win
• 5-min read

Instant messaging (IM) can influence people’s perceptions towards issues. However, despite the growing dominance and influence of IM, its full potential remained untapped during the recent election in Singapore. Parties can better leverage the medium to engage with the electorate, while staying clear of pitfalls, say IPS researchers.

Event Summary — “IPS Online Forum with the Parties on Vision and Plans Post-GE2020”
(IPS Commons)
• 3-min read

The final forum of the IPS Online Post-GE2020 Series featured representatives from the People’s Action Party, The Workers’ Party and Progress Singapore Party. They talked about internal party development and their public policy agenda leading up to the next general election. This forum was moderated by Dr Gillian Koh of IPS.

Commentary — “More than S$600 for first class meals? SIA isn’t for everyone but that’s just fine”
(Channel NewsAsia)
By Faizal Bin Yahya
• 5-min read

Against the backdrop of COVID-19 and disrupted air travel, Singapore Airlines (SIA) has attempted to bring selective offerings to passengers. Despite mixed reactions and criticism, Faizal Yahya argues that SIA’s premium brand needs to be sustained and reinforced because, after COVID-19, the airline will be vital in aiding the recovery of the aviation sector and maintaining Singapore’s air connectivity.

On 8 October 2020, IPS held the Forum on Internet and Media Use in GE2020 to address the question, “Was GE2020 the Internet election?”. The four speakers – Dr Carol Soon, Dr Natalie Pang, Associate Professor Zhang Weiyu, Mr Chua Chin Hon – presented their findings on digital and generational divisions among voters, types of online political engagement, the attributes of swing voters, as well as the Facebook usage of political parties.